Essex Travel Guide - Castles
William the Conqueror chose Colchester to build his first - and largest - royal castle in stone. Construction began in 1076 on the ruins of a Roman temple to the Emperor Claudius, and remains of the temple can be seen today. The castle fell into disuse in the later medieval period, but was eventually restored and converted into a fine museum.
Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, England, CO1 1TJ
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Heritage Highlight: William the Conqueror's first stone castle
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The remains of a 13th-century castle standing on high ground over the Essex marshes. Hadleigh was begun in 1215 by Hubert de Burgh. It was later expanded and strengthened by Edward III into a comfortable (for the time) royal residence.
Hadleigh, Essex, England
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This 12th-century Norman keep is the only remaining part of the medieval castle and Tudor buildings, a stronghold of the de Vere family for 550 years. At the heart of the castle is a Banqueting Hall with a Minstrels' Gallery. The castle grounds offer peaceful woodland and lakeside walks.
Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, England, CO9 3DJ
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Heritage Highlight: 12th century Banqueting Hall with minstrel gallery
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The small Essex village of Mount Bures is named for the Norman castle mound, or motte, which rises near the 12th-century parish church of St John the Baptist. The motte was probably erected by Roger de Poitou, one of the powerful new Norman nobility who took control of England following William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings.
Hall Road, Mount Bures, Essex, England
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Rayleigh Mount is one of the best Norman motte and bailey castle sites of Essex, a county blessed with several fine examples. The castle mound is set within a ditch surrounded by a wide rampart, which stretches to form a bailey on one side.
Rayleigh, Essex, England, SS6 7HD
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Ruins of a 12th-century motte and bailey castle built by Geoffrey de Mandeville, 3rd Earl of Essex. Partly destroyed on the orders of Henry II, later robbed for building stone by townsfolk. Now only rubble walls of the keep tower still stand to any height. The castle bailey is followed by the layout of surrounding streets.
Castle Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, England, CB10 2BS
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